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Ongoing probe reveals 459 visa applications from fake firms — BI

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE BUREAU of Immigration (BI) on Thursday said that 459 applications that had issued visas were petitioned by fake corporations amid its investigation of four employees allegedly involved in the issuing fake companies employment visas.

“A total of 459 applications for visas were found with fake petitioners, which meant [they came from] nonexistent companies, offices or operations,” Immigration Spokesperson Dana Krizia M. Sandoval told DzBB radio.

The BI also found last month 116 fake employers from the applications, Ms. Sandoval noted.

She said the BI has taken decisive action by dismissing four lawyers in one of its departments, responding to concerns raised by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla about vulnerabilities in the country’s visa issuance system.

These lawyers are now being investigated for alleged links to the issuances of the visas to fake petitioners.

“They were relieved from their positions in issuing visas while they are undergoing investigations,” Ms. Sandoval said.

Senator Mary Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares said the issuance of visas from fake firms pose security threats in the country’s peace and order.

“The DoJ (Department of Justice) must get to the bottom of this illegal scheme, and punish erring immigration personnel and other individuals who made the entry of the foreigners possible,” Ms. Poe-Llamanzares said in a statement.

Earlier Mr. Remulla said illicit channels created by lawyers and travel agencies to illegally bring individuals into the country were uncovered.

While he said the investigation primarily focused on Chinese nationals, Ms. Sandoval said the scheme appears to involve various nationalities.

In a recent meeting between Mr. Remulla and Immigration Commissioner Norman G. Tansingco, it was discussed to expand the probe beyond the initial 2023 report.

The decision was made to audit all visas issued in the past five years, aiming to identify any additional agencies or individuals involved in such visa irregularities.

Possible sanctions for implicated agencies include revocation or suspension of accreditation, with forfeiture of their bonds. This move aligns with efforts to address potential misuse of visas for illicit activities or for jobs intended for Filipino workers, such as in the retail sector. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Makati flexes new rescue e-cars

REUTERS

THE MAKATI City government acquired five electric cars (e-cars) for its Public Safety Department as it seeks to embrace sustainable mobility.

“By introducing electric vehicles into our public safety fleet, we not only enhance our emergency response capabilities but also contribute to reducing air pollution and our overall environmental impact,” Mayor Mar-len Abigail “Abby” Binay-Campos said during a turnover ceremony for the five Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric cars on Thursday.

Each equipped with a 58-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, the electric vehicles will be strategically deployed in key areas to ensure “rapid response times in emergency situations,” the mayor’s office said in a statement.

It said three charging stations at Makati City Hall, one at the Palanan Barangay Hall, and one at the Guadalupe Viejo Barangay Hall complement the IONIQ 5’s capabilities.

“We look forward to being a part and playing a role in Makati’s journey of transforming into a smart city,” Dong Wook Lee, President of Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH), said at the ceremony.

The five vehicles come with five years of preventive maintenance service, training and orientation for drivers, and 24/7 roadside assistance for one year, he touted.

Makati, dubbed as the Philippines’ premier financial district, in 2022 signed an agreement with the Korea International Cooperation Agency to establish a smart transportation system featuring a fleet of electric buses.

The city was recognized last as the sole finalist from the Philippines and the Asia Pacific during the World Smart City Awards for its smart meters and sensors, according to Ms. Binay’s office. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Driver’s license supply pending

LAND Transportation Office Chief Vigor D. Mendoza, III conducts a press conference on Thursday to discuss the pending status of the supply of plastic driver’s license cards. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE LAND Transportation Office (LTO) said it is still waiting for the Department of Transportation’s (DoTr) go-signal for the procurement of plastic driver’s license cards supply.

“We have a lot of options to explore but the most advanced and prominent would be the agency-to-agency procurement,” Transport Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza, who heads the LTO, said in a press briefing on Thursday.

He said the LTO had asked the printing offices of the government to submit quotations for the supply of plastic driver’s licenses. “We are waiting for the Department of Transportation to consider and process this,” he added, noting that the supply of plastic driver’s license cards nationwide is down to 270,000.

Last year, the LTO said it was running out of plastic cards for driver’s licenses, so it resorted to issuing printed paper licenses.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mendoza said the Office of the Solicitor General is still reviewing the legality of the four million plastic card donations made by the Philippine Society of Medicine. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Grants to combat child labor

PHILSTAR

COTABATO CITY — In an effort to combat child labor and provide economic alternatives for families, 22 households in the region received a P15,000 cash grant each as part of the Bangsamoro Child Labor Sagip Program by the Ministry of Labor and Employment-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MoLE-BARMM).

The financial assistance — distributed to parents and guardians of rescued child laborers — aims to support small entrepreneurial projects, preventing the forced employment of underage family members.

“We have an extensive campaign against child labor and the use of children as combatants, and this is one of the projects intended to address such problems, which are imminent in many parts of the region due to poverty,” said BARMM Labor Minister Muslimin G. Sema in a statement on Thursday. 

Nurhaifa E. Gunda, guardian of her eight-year-old niece who used to sell plastic bags at the market, plans to utilize the P15,000 for a small fruit juice business in their village. Morsalin N. Salik, whose seven-year-old son sold fruits on the streets, intends to start cooking viands for daily sale to neighbors.

Mr. Sema said his office collaborates with the International Labour Organization of the United Nations, the Japanese government, and the non-government organization Integrated Resource Development for Tri-People to address the persistent issue of child labor in the Bangsamoro region.

BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, which continue to grapple with the effects of decades of secessionist conflicts and underdevelopment. — John Felix M. Unson

Davao airport expects new trolleys

CAAP

DAVAO CITY — Filipino Chinese businessmen in the city are raring to donate 500 trolleys for the airport, the acting area manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Davao (CAAP-Davao) revealed on Thursday.

While no formal agreement has yet been signed, CAAP-Davao official Rex A. Obcena said the group of businessmen have verbally pledged to making the significant donation to the Davao International Airport (DIA).

“At present, we have an inventory of 156 push carts. Of the 156, 46 of those were donated by Gaisano Mall,” said Mr. Obcena, who noted that the current baggage cart requirement at the airport is 700.

Recently, the Department of Budget and Management approved a P12-million budget exclusively for Davao, with a portion allocated for acquiring 250 heavy-duty push carts since the airport has four inbound and outbound international commercial flights, two international cargo flights, and 70 domestic flights daily. — Maya M. Padillo

Baguio charter revision opposed

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

BAGUIO CITY — City council members, backed by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, have expressed strong opposition to House Bill 9428, a proposed measure by Rep. Marquez “Mark” O. Go which seeks to amend the Baguio City Charter.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Councilor Jose M. Molintas stressed the importance of proper public consultation, highlighting potential social and economic impacts for such a move. He said the bill’s focus on partial segregation of Camp John Hay (CJH) reservation land could disadvantage a significant portion of the city.

While supporting the ownership of titles for residents in the 13 barangays within the CJH reservation, Mr. Molintas the charter revisions should be better understood as many of the provisions in HB 9428 could potentially disenfranchise local residents.

He was referring specifically to the indigenous Ibaloy communities in the affected barangays, historically known as “Kafagway” or “pasteur land.” 

Despite a 2001 segregation of Scout Barrio as a socialized housing area, the remaining 13 barangays continue to face restrictions. Mr. Molintas highlighted a 1994 resolution by the city council outlining 19 conditionalities for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) master development plan for Camp John Hay, yet these have not been fully complied with.

Councilor Peter Fianza echoed Mr. Molintas’ concerns, emphasizing the need for public consultations before passing legislation. The recent public consultation at the Baguio Cultural and Convention Center turned contentious when attendees allegedly affiliated with Mr. Go disrupted the proceedings.

Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan condemned the incident, underscoring the importance of obtaining public opinion on Mr. Go’s proposal.

Mr. Molintas clarified that the discussions are not politically motivated or a personal attack against Mr. Go. Instead, it is a well-intentioned effort to engage in a meaningful consultation regarding legislation that significantly impacts city’s future. — Artemio A. Dumlao

PSAC pushes for incentives, easy entry for foreign tourists  

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s advisors from the private sector have recommended that the country boost incentives and ease entry requirements for foreign tourists, Malacañang said. 

In a meeting with Mr. Marcos at the presidential palace on Thursday, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) pushed for the easing of visa processes for tourists like what is being done by the Philippines’ Southeast Asian neighbors, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. 

It recommended that the government temporarily offer a 30-day visa-free entry for tourists while e-visa process streamlining is ongoing. 

The council also asked the administration to explore the idea of tapping a third-party service provider to handle the e-Visa system. 

In addition, the PSAC suggested better incentives such as a VAT refund scheme for tourists. 

During the meeting, the PSAC also cited the need to boost the public-private partnership (PPP) efforts of regional airports to address air travel connectivity and capacity issues.  

It said the Philippines should promote its native cuisines as well as host major sporting events to attract more tourists, citing the efforts of India, China, Singapore and Thailand. – Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Beermen and Gin Kings eye quick quarterfinal road for Commissioner’s Cup Final Four berth

PBA.PH

Games Friday
PhilSports Arena
4 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs San Miguel Beer
8 p.m. — NorthPort vs Ginebra
* SMB, Ginebra with twice-to-beat advantage

SECOND seed San Miguel Beer (SMB) and No. 3 Barangay Ginebra set their course on the shortest road to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Final Four, bent on following the lead of top-ranked semifinalist Magnolia.

After the Hotshots blitzed past No. 8 TNT Sunday, 109-94, the Beermen and the defending champion Gin Kings look to make quick work of seventh seed Rain or Shine (ROS) and No. 6 NorthPort, respectively, as they hit the playoffs today.

But the Elasto Painters and the Batang Pier have their own model to emulate — fifth seeded Meralco. The Bolts took down No. 4 Phoenix in a lung-busting 116-107 triple overtime win and dragged the twice-to-beat Fuel Masters to a sudden death on Sunday for the right to face the Hotshots in the next phase.

Both SMB and ROS go into the 4 p.m. match as the league’s hottest teams.

The Beermen, who welcomed back June Mar Fajardo after a six-month absence in time for the playoffs, have won their last five. The rejuvenated Elasto Painters are even better, going on a six-match streak after a 0-5 start to salvage their quarterfinals spot.

“Forget about the five-game streak. As I told the guys, that was our first ladder. Our first goal was to get into the Top 4 for twice-to-beat and we did that. So now, we have to work on Ladder 2, our quarterfinal stint,” said SMB coach Jorge Gallent.

SMB now has a virtually full-strength squad with Mr. Fajardo, Vic Manuel, Terrence Romeo and Jeron Teng back in the fold to join forces with import Bennie Boatwright, veteran Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz.

ROS mentor Yeng Guiao expects efficient reinforcement Tree Treadwell, veterans Beau Belga and Gabe Norwood and fast-maturing young guns Andrei Caracut, Santi Santillan, Jhonard Clarito, Adrian Nocum and Keith Datu to come out fighting.

Meanwhile, Tony Bishop and the defending champion Gin Kings aim for their third straight semis appearance in their 8 p.m. entanglement with the Venky Jois and Arvin Tolentino-led Batang Pier. — Olmin Leyba

Frayna to play in Europe for her International Master quest

JANELLE MAE FRAYNA— JANELLE MAE FRAYNA FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

JANELLE MAE FRAYNA currently owns two feats that no Filipina before her had done — become a Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and emerge the first female in the country to make the men’s Olympiad-bound team.

And she isn’t done writing another chapter to her history-making journey as she resumes her quest at an International Master  (IM) title, which will be another first, with several international tournaments lined up this year.

“It’s been awhile since I got my first IM norm, 2016,” said the 26-year-old Army first class and Legazpi City native referring to her 2016 Baku World Chess Olympiad where she also claimed her WGM title.

“This year, I’m planning to campaign more and possibly play in Europe,” she added.

Ms. Frayna’s most recent tournament came just less than two weeks ago when she finished third in the Philippine National Championships in Marikina City that was topped by IM Daniel Quizon.

There, she earned the distinction as the first lady member of the men’s Olympiad squad, assuming she decides to accept.

She is currently wading into battle in the 1st Bangalore International Grandmasters (GM) Open Chess Tournament that unfurled yesterday at the Sri Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in India.

Ms. Frayna, rated 2197, would need two more norms and reach a rating of at least 2400 to claim the IM title.

GM Jayson Gonzales, Ms. Frayna’s coach and concurrent National Chess Federation of the Philippines chief executive officer, and women’s team standouts Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Bernadette Galas were also playing in the 10-round meet that drew 212 participants including 31 GMs and four WGMs. — Joey Villar

PSC renews tandem with PDRCI on sports arbitration

THE PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) renewed its partnership with the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI) to strengthen the agency’s pursuit for fair and efficient sports arbitration in the country.

PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann and PDRCI Acting President Rogelio Nicandro formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Thursday.

“Since 2021, our collaboration with PDRCI has helped the PSC in carrying out our mandate in fostering a culture of fairness and accountability within our national sports associations. By renewing our partnership, we are reinforcing our dedication to providing athletes and stakeholders with a reliable and efficient avenue for dispute resolution,” said Mr. Bachmann.

Among the agreement’s objectives is to institutionalize and implement a sports Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) policy especially for national sports associations that will ensure fast and cost-effective resolution of sports-related disputes using flexible rule-guided procedure.

“We are excited to renew our partnership with the PSC which we firmly believe is beneficial to our athletes, the NSAs, and all other stakeholders in Philippine sports,” said PDRCI Executive Director Arleo Magtibay, Jr.

“As we provide a venue where disputes may be settled amicably and expeditiously, our athletes and officials may focus more on their training and competitions and bring glory to the country.”

The sports agency previously approved a policy applicable to all NSAs which requires and directs them to submit an Arbitration Provision to the PSC, as part of their Articles of Incorporation (AOI) and Bylaws, and pursuant to Section 181 of R.A. No. 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines.

Further collaboration in all activities highlighting the benefits of ADR, including webinars, seminars, lectures and other information dissemination and training activities, were also committed by both agencies.

Present at the signing were PSC Commissioner Matthew “Fritz” Gaston and Executive Director Paulo Francisco Tatad, together with PDRCI Chairman Victor Lazatin, Sports Arbitration Committee Chairman Charlie Ho, and Dondi Gaston.

Carl Tamayo bids farewell to Ryukyu Golden Kings

CARL TAMAYO (33)— FACEBOOK.COM/EASTASIASUPERLEAGUE

CARL TAMAYO has parted ways with the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B. League.

Mr. Tamayo will come home next week for the meantime to assess the next step in his young career after seeing limited action for the Golden Kings, who are the reigning B. League champions with an impressive 20-9 record.

“We believe that finding a team where Carl (Tamayo) can maximize his potential and make a substantial impact is in his best interest,” said Virtual Playground, Mr. Tamayo’s management, in a statement.

The Gilas Pilipinas forward has played only 12.5 minutes this season with averages of 3.9 points and 2.5 rebounds for Ryukyu, which granted his release on Thursday as his camp is in the hunt for a new team that would give him more opportunity to showcase his talent on the court.

Although still unannounced after his brief homecoming, Mr. Tamayo’s next destination is likely to still be in Japan with only a new club.

“The decision aims to provide Carl with an opportunity to explore new horizons in the Japan B. League, allowing him to showcase his skills and make a more significant contribution to another team,” the statement added.

Mr. Tamayo, who opted to go pro in Japan last year after only two years with the University of the Philippines in the UAAP, paid gratitude to Ryukyu for serving as his first home in the professional world.

“As I bid farewell to the Ryukyu Golden Kings, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every fan who has been with me on this incredible journey. Your unwavering support has meant the world to me,” the former UAAP Rookie of the Year and Mythical Team member said.

“Though my time with the team may be ending, your support will forever be etched in my heart. Thank you for making my time with the Ryukyu Golden Kings truly unforgettable.” — John Bryan Ulanday

La Union to host int’l surfing

BAGUIO CITY — La Union is hosting for the second time the World Surfing League La Union International Pro at the Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan on Jan. 22-28, 2024.

The La Union provincial government led by Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David said it is all pumped up to provide assistance and ensure the safety of the participants and spectators during the international surfing event.

The sporting event will gather more than a hundred professional surfers from the Asia Pacific Region.

Last year,  San Juan hosted the First World Surfing League.

The La Union Provincial Tourism Office (LUPTO) said it is expecting a 5% increase in the tourist arrivals of the province during the period of the competitions surpassing from 17,976 visitors last year.

It added that the event seeks to further promote La Union as a major surfing destination and an ideal venue for international surfing competitions, while showcasing the natural beauty. — Artemio A. Dumlao

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